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Secrets of the perfect handshake

A handshake is part of making a great first impression. Everybody remembers a bad shaker. For instance your aunt or uncle? Maybe their handshake is too firm, or too loose. Both ways aren’t very pleasurable. Hereby I give you my tips for the perfect handshake:

Timing
When do you start the handshake? And are you the one who should initiate it? Usually the person with authority starts the handshake, like your employer or a minister. Wait for them to start. When you are the right person to start a handshake, don’t wait too long. Things can get kind of awkward and it gets less natural to start.

Posture
Get out of your chair, stand confident and smile when you offer your hand. Make sure you palms don’t feel sweaty. While you handshake it’s the perfect time to say something nice. For instance: ‘It’s great to meet you Jack.’ When repeating the other person’s name you are more likely te remember them.

Firmness
Nobody likes the feel of a flabby hand. Make your handshake firm, but don’t overdo it. You don’t want to hurt people. Is the other person a child or a very old lady? Adjust your grip just a little bit.

Duration
It should feel natural when to let go. You don’t have to hang on while you talk. The average handshake will last a few seconds.

Things to keep in mind
There are a few other things you should be aware of while you handshake. Is the other person wounded on their right hand? Offer your left hand. When you shake hands, what do you do with the rest of your body? – Get your left hand out of your pocket! The handshake should be done in an up and down motion. Some people tend to rotate the handshake so their hand is on top, this gives the impression of authority. Other people put their left hand on top of the handshake. In this situation, you could pat the side of the upper arm of the other person.

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